270 families displaced in Maguindanao clash

By Lalaine Bolongon, ABS-CBN News Central Mindanao

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – At least 270 families in Mamasapano, Maguindanao have been displaced after gunfight erupted between members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) last Thursday.

The displaced familes came from barangays Libutan, Liyab, Dalapdap, Bakumbong, Lasikil and Labayanan.

Despite the clash, some families have already returned to their homes, said Mamasapano Mayor Tahirudin Ampatuan.

The military said the fight between members of MILF and the BIFF, the military arm of the MILF breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM), is not related to the recently forged framework agreement that proposes the creation of the Bangsamoro region.

It said the incident was caused by a long-standing "rido" or clan war between some members of the rival Moro factions.

Ampatuan said his government is already conducting mediation between the two factions to stop the violence.

Mamasapano Police Inspector Romel Santos said the firefight ended on Sunday afternoon through the intervention of the community elders and the MILF leadership.

The clash resulted in the death of Commander Silongan from 118th Base Command, and two others.